Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Why the Chicken Crossed the Road

But last night I went for a walk with Susi and our grandson, Clay. We wandered through the woods 'til dark, and upon our return saw a chicken standing by the side of the road.

Clearly it was debating whether to cross the road or go back to its peeps. We said hello and talked about the weather, then bid the biddy goodbye. But she protested. "Don't leave me," she begged.

"Now, go home darlin'," I said. But it would not. It followed us all the way up our street. Well, I could not abandon a chicken in distress so I took it in.

There is a dark side to my story. First, there was this ghost ship. Look at the thing in the back. Looks like a ship with trees growing out of it? That is exactly what it is. Nobody seemed to notice. But I did. And the sister of the chicken did.

A walk can heal what ails ya, as I've said before when I actually used to blog. I apologize for wandering around Neptune. I'm back, I hope, and noticing odd things along the way. Like this dog who said, "BEWARE the chicken!"

"Good dog," says I. A little further down the road I see Mary up there with some pigeons. I think if she lived in Port Townsend, she would in fact be feeding the pigeons. Saint Francis had a way with animals because he listened to them and let them sit on his head and shoulders.. He would have taken the chicken home.

How nice to look for friends along the way. Along the path.

So then, about that chicken's sister. I did find the owner of the chicken the next day. But he said that she had a sister who also escaped from the coop last night. Apparently she had been spooked. I think he may have mentioned the ghost ship. The next day they found a pile of feathers next door.

So why did Henrietta cross the road? 1. To get away from ghost ships. 2. To find a safe place to snuggle away from the coyotes. or 3. For love.

14 comments:

It is nice to see you blogging again. I imagine that chicken knew you'd keep it safe at least while you were there. Sorry to hear about the sister chicken. Makes me glad I'm not a chicken. In my neighborhood, racoons have been taking cats. More sad stories I guess.

Hello Mr W, lovely to be here again at looong last. Im loving the ghost ship even if it was responsible, and oh so glad to know im not the only one who "sees" things all the time. Came across your delicious book again the other day & have to say was oohh so excited as I had a clutch of wee ones to share it with this time. Needless to say they were enthralled. Thank you ;)

Hi Ruthie. Yes, there is just so much to see. I like what the artist, Gergia O'Keefe says about seeing, "Nobody sees a flower really, they are so small and it takes time to see the way it takes time to have a friend..."

Glad you had some wee ones to read to. Hope you are ready for a cosy winter.

About Me

I am the servant of my cats. Also an artist, author, and illustrator. I can almost fly around at will. Actually, when I folk dance I do fly. My first picture book for children was published in 1986, and I have been making books ever since. Somehow I married one of the world's greatest treasures. My world is filled with kids, grandkids, dogs, cats, rabbits, robots, dinosaurs, and fairies. Really. I believe with all my heart that we can make a difference in this world. It starts with giving, forgiving, and living out love. You know, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Making art can be a part of making a better world. Dostoevsky said, "The world will be saved by beauty."